Roman Abramovich is keeping his hands in his pockets when it comes to Frank Lampard.

The whole of Stamford Bridge stood to applaud Lampard when he was substituted after taking another step towards Bobby Tambling’s goals record and becoming Chelsea’s all-time leading FA Cup scorer.

But the Chelsea owner, at ­the Bridge for the first time in nearly a month, kept his hands firmly in his coat as the fans chanted “sign him up” after Lampard helped the Blues into the fifth round and a tie against Middlesbrough.

To every Chelsea fan and neutral it seems unthinkable that the club’s owner will let Lampard leave and there does seem to be a new will to try to keep him.

But even if Lampard heads for the sunshine of LA Galaxy this summer, the England midfielder will surely have enough time to rewrite the record books.

Lampard made it 199 Chelsea goals, is just three behind Tambling’s record, and also surpassed the Stamford Bridge legend with a 26th FA Cup goal.

That makes it 13 for the season, five in his last six games and Lampard has been involved in 24 goals – scoring 15 and nine assists – in his last 25 appearances in the FA Cup. Not bad for a Chelsea pensioner.

Buzzing Bees: Brentford fans at Stamford Bridge (Photo: Getty)

Chelsea were made to work hard for the win by their League One ­opponents. And when it did not go their way, they got nasty. Gary Cahill was lucky not to be booked for a nasty, late over-the-top challenge on Brentford captain Jonathan Douglas.

Lampard, Oscar and Mata all went close but Brentford were unlucky when referee Neil ­Swarbrick did not play advantage after David Luiz fouled Adam Forshaw. He awarded a free-kick moments before Marcello Trotta put the ball in the net.

But Chelsea finally opened the floodgates 10 minutes after the restart. Petr Cech’s long clearance was helped on by Demba Ba, Mata took the ball and unleashed a fierce 20-yard drive which flew into the bottom corner.

Frustrated: Demba Ba endured a tough first period

The Spaniard was exceptional throughout as his invention, craft and dynamism typified his season as he has built on his first year to become even more ­influential.

Chelsea grabbed a second after 68 minutes when substitute Eden Hazard fed Branislav Ivanovic, his cross was cut back for Oscar and the Brazilian’s back heel somehow trickled into the net.

Three minutes later, Lampard enjoyed his moment. Mata – who else? – made a strong run down the left, cut the ball back and Lampard swept home.

Chelsea completed the rout after 81 minutes when Hazard’s short corner routine with Oscar worked a treat. The Brazilian’s back-post cross was perfect for skipper John Terry who announced his return with a powerful header.

Job done. But there was still time for David Luiz to take out Brentford substitute Jake Reeves with a nasty, cynical shoulder into the 19-year-old’s face.

The Brazilian was lucky only to be booked. ­Brentford finished the game with 10 men after using all their subs and at least Reeves was given a lasting memory of the occasion.

Thankfully, Luiz ­apologised to the ­youngster afterwards and Reeves was given the all clear.